This month's memory verse

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

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Escape from Damascus!!

Key Verse | Acts 9:25

but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

Acts 9:20-25

20And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

21All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

22Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25So during the night, some of the other believers* lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

Footnotes

9:25 Greek his disciples.

Escape from Damascus Game

After Saul met Jesus, he started preaching boldly—and it made his enemies furious. They watched the city gates day and night to catch him. So, his friends snuck him out in a basket, lowering him down the wall at night to escape. God protected Saul so he could keep telling people about Jesus!

Supplies

  • A laundry basket or large bag
  • A stuffed animal or small object (“Saul”)
  • Your house

Round 1—The Watchers

One player is the Guard. Everyone else hides “Saul” (the stuffed animal) somewhere in the house. The Guard searches. If found before a 2-minute timer runs out, the Guard wins and a new Guard is selected to play again. If not—Saul escapes and you move onto Round 2! 

Round 2—The Escape

One person goes and hides the basket in the house. Everyone else must sneak “Saul” into the basket without being seen or heard by the Guard (think, a moving around hide and seek). If the Guard catches you, you’re out. If the Guard catches the person holding “Saul,” the Guard wins. If “Saul” makes it into the basket, move onto Round 3! 

Round 3—The Lowering

Everyone uses the basket to lower Saul from a bed, couch, or staircase to the floor before the Guard can catch them. If Saul’s team carries him safely “out of Damascus” (out the back or front door), they win the game.

Discuss

  • Why did Saul’s friends risk helping him escape?
  • Who do you think gave them the courage to help?
  • How has God ever helped you get through something scary?
  • Saul’s friends helped him even when it was dangerous. Who is someone you trust to help you when you’re scared?
  • If you were hiding in a basket, how do you think you would feel? How do you think God felt about Saul?
  • Saul used to hurt Christians, but now he was preaching about Jesus. Why do you think his enemies were so angry about that change?